By Endya Gillard
The Annual New Orleans Jazz Fest is back. New Orleans residents are excited to have festival
season back, but most importantly, Jazz Fest. The event kicks off on April 29 and ends on May 8.
The event headlines major artists such as Luke Combs, Erykah Badu, Big Freedia, and more.
“Jazz Fest is so original, and jazz just makes the city come together,” said New Orleans
native Erica Woodridge.
The city of New Orleans centers around Jazz, and the city took a huge hit during Covid when
the festival was inactive.
The festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Racecourse in Gentilly. This festival brings the
people together and attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year.
“This is by far my favorite festival in the city,” said Karen Hutchinson, who lives within walking
distance of the festival. “It is right in my backyard, and I can hear all the music right from my
house. It always amazes me how many people are attracted to the city during this time of year.
There’s just nothing like it,” Hutchinson added.
Although many people are excited to have festival season back in action, especially the Jazz and Heritage Festival, Covid still worries some of the residents.
A month ago, New Orleans welcomed back Mardi Gras since the pandemic began in 2020.
However, the city is expecting a great turnout based on the sellout of early bird passes. There
has been a lot of controversy stemming from mask mandates, case numbers rising, and crowd
control. The city did not receive many reported Covid cases, but it still draws concern from
residents.
“We will follow whatever Covid protocols are in place at the time,” said Quint Davis, a festival
organizer of the event.